Deputy Director of Programs

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC entered Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. Since then, the IRC has expanded its scope and size of the programs in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. In 2023, IRC expanded its programming to the Northwest in Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto through partners. The IRC’s response to the humanitarian situation includes integrated health and nutrition services, reproductive health care and women protection services, Environmental Health, Child Protection, Economic Recovery and Development, Education and General Protection. The country program has a three-year strategy action plan currently being reviewed for another 3 years. IRC’s programming in Northeast and Northwestern Nigeria is supported by a team of more than 370 staff

Job Overview

The Deputy Director of Programs (DDP) is a member of the senior management team (SMT) (along with the Deputy Director of Operations (DDO), Deputy Director of Finance, Snr. People and Culture Coordinator, Snr Program Coordinator, and Snr Humanitarian Access, Security and Safety Coordinator). She/he is responsible for leading and managing the program Technical teams/sector, Grant management and M&E teams in the Country Program. The DDP is expected to contribute to high levels of teamwork and inter-departmental and cross-sectoral collaboration. Through her/his leadership the IRC Nigeria country program will develop and implement high quality programs based on the principles of results, data-driven analysis, problem identification and problem solving. The DDP will also be the focal point for strategy development, review and monitoring. The position is based in Abuja with frequent travel to all field locations

Major Responsibilities

• Ethics, Integrity and Safeguarding: Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Way (Code of Conduct) and other global HR policies and procedures; model a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations. Ensuring integrity and safeguarding are central to program design and to all interactions with clients.
• Security: Support strong security management by contributing to SMT-led risk analysis and planning, and by embedding security considerations into program design and delivery, grant management, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
• Management and Strategy: Actively contribute to and participate in management and leadership platforms (e.g., Senior Management Team, Country Leadership Team, Country Management Team). Champion the development, periodic review, and implementation of the Nigeria Strategic Action Plan, ensuring meaningful participation of programs, grants, and M&E teams in strategy and research activities.
• Program Design and Implementation: Ensure high-quality program design through robust context analysis, theories of change, and sector strategies. Use rigorous M&E and results-based management to drive learning, program adaptation, and continuous improvement. In partnership with the Deputy Director of Operations, support effective delivery of program commitments by overseeing key management tools (e.g., procurement plans, budget-versus-actual reports, work plans). Oversee technical assistance across sectors to ensure programs reflect best practice, evidence, and current learning.
• Business Development and Grant Management: With SMT colleagues, lead the development, implementation, and review of the country program business development strategy to ensure sector programs, overall strategy, and operations are adequately funded. Lead the grant management team to ensure IRC Nigeria meets all institutional donor and internal reporting and compliance requirements.
• Representation, Advocacy and Communication: With the Country Director and Deputy Director of Operations, ensure IRC is effectively represented with key stakeholders and in relevant coordination fora and networks, leveraging IRC learning and experience to strengthen humanitarian and development responses in Nigeria. Support the development and delivery of an advocacy strategy aligned to country program priorities. Work with the Country Director to ensure appropriate communication products highlight country program work for varied audiences.
• Human Resources: As the leader for the programs team, work with People & Culture and Administration teams to ensure appropriate HR and administrative support for programs, including the application of best practices and adherence to national and state-level NGO compliance requirements.

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: Country Director

Position directly supervises: Senior M&E Coordinator; Senior Grants Coordinator; Consortium Coordinators; Senior Program Coordinator; and Senior Health/Nutrition Coordinator.

Through a “management in partnership” approach, the Deputy Director of Programs will jointly supervise selected cross-functional roles, as required by the country program structure.Management in Partnership is a type of matrix management used at the IRC. Management in Partnership aims to ensure effective and efficient management and supervision of multi-facing and cross-departmental roles.

Other key contacts

Country Program: Senior Management Team members, Security Coordinator, Field Coordinators, , Supply Chain Coordinator, HR Coordinator

Organizationally: Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director, technical advisors and the Award Management Unit.

Requirements

• Minimum of seven years of international experience, including at least two years managing emergencies, post-conflict, and/or development programs.
• Demonstrated experience in program design and delivery, including proposal development.
• Proven capacity in staff management, multitasking, time management, and diplomacy.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• High level Advocacy and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; innovative, collaborative, and effective in multicultural teams.
• Fluency in English.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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